Review Blog

Jul 15 2008

The falconer's knot by Mary Hoffman

Allen and Unwin. 2008
(Age 11+) An exciting medieval mystery story set in 14th century
Italy, Falconer's knot is sure to gain an audience with readers who
like whodunits and those who enjoy a historical setting. 16-year-old
nobleman, Silvano, infatuated with beautiful Angelica, is forced to
flee to a monastery when he is accused of murdering her husband. While
there he meets a lovely novice, Chiara, at the adjoining convent. When
Chiara's father died, her brother decides to send her away to join a
religious order. The peace of monastic life is shattered when another
murder occurs. Silvano and Chiaro discover themselves in the midst of a
puzzling mystery and fall in love as they strive to solve the crime.

The author gives the reader a real sense of place and time with vivid
descriptions of monastic life and the wonderful art that was being
created at the time. Descriptions of the way the colours were made for
the frescoes and the paintings of the artists Simone Martini and Pietro
Lorenzetti are fascinating and provide an extra dimension to the book.
Add to this two engaging characters, Silvano and Chiaro, an interesting
sub plot with the star crossed lovers, Aureliana and Anselmo, poison,
falcons and betrayals and it all adds up to an engrossing read.